INLAND Rail removed the Marchbanks Road bridge during an 86-hour weekend track possession from September 12-15, marking the ninth and final bridge replaced in the Beveridge to Albury section to enable the operation of double-stacked trains.
The Marchbanks Road bridge over the rail corridor at Broadford was demolished and girders for the new bridge installed in a highly coordinated undertaking from Inland Rail and the John Holland construction crews.
The existing 57-year-old bridge will make way for a new bridge 3.7 metres higher and 11 metres wider.
Four 68-metre girders weighing 600 tonnes combined were lifted into place by a 650-tonne crawler crane to form the backbone of the new bridge.
Inland Rail has now achieved the height and width clearances needed for double-stacked freight trains at 11 of the 12 B2A project sites, with the Tallarook site the remaining location to complete necessary modifications.
Level crossing upgrades were also carried out at Benalla and Euroa, deflection wall works continued at Tallarook, track safety barriers removed at Wandong and track and drainage works were completed at Hamilton Street and Short Street in Broadford.
Inland Rail has already replaced road bridges over the rail corridor at Wangaratta, Glenrowan, Benalla, Euroa, Seymour-Avenel Road, Wandong and at Short Street and Hamilton Street in Broadford. Two pedestrian bridges in Wangaratta were also removed.
CEO of Inland Rail Dr Sean Sweeney said it was a big achievement.
“Successfully removing the ninth and final bridge on the Beveridge to Albury project is a major achievement,” he said.
“With the right planning we were able to remove the old Marchbanks Road bridge and install the girders for the new bridge in 86 hours.
“We thank the community for their patience and cooperation as we work as safely and efficiently as we can to reconnect the community with a new bridge.”
With the conclusion of the RDFNL, the Review looked back at the great season it was and our best photos from the year.
JEDWAB: Battle of the Red and Black.HILL: Evading multiple Lancefield players to go on and kick the goal.CAN’T TAG HIM: Hrovat too good for the tag.HIGH FLYER: Jackson Wadden leaps for a big mark.HOW IS THAT BALL?: Romsey v Riddell earlier this year.YOUNG GUN: Jack Hammerling will be one to watch for the years to come.LEAUGE LEADER: Lachlan Smart kicked the most goals in the home and away season.SOMEONE SAY 14?: Jack Jedwab kicked 14 goals against Lancefield.
Our journalist’s have worked across every weekend of the season to bring the best sport content for our viewers, we hope you enjoyed it.
October is shaping up to be a month of new experiences, great entertainment and plenty of reasons to get out and about, with the Victorian Seniors Festival returning for its 44th year.
This year’s theme, ‘Connect, Create, Celebrate’, invites older residents across the City of Whittlesea to fill their calendars, try something new and enjoy a diverse program of free and low-cost events and activities.
Whether it’s discovering a new hobby, enjoying live entertainment, getting active, learning something new or simply spending time with others, there are plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate throughout the month.
One of the highlights of the month will be the City of Whittlesea Seniors Festival launch event, featuring Australian musical theatre and cabaret performer Queenie van de Zandt. Held on Wednesday October 7 from 11am to 1pm at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC), audiences can expect an uplifting and unforgettable performance.
Getting around is even easier, with Victorian Seniors Card holders able to enjoy free public transport across Victoria from October 3 to 11, a great opportunity to explore festival activities both close to home and further afield.
The Victorian Seniors Festival celebrates and recognises the valuable contributions older people make to communities across Victoria, while creating opportunities to stay active, engaged and connected.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Lawrie Cox said he urged many older residents to try something new this year.
“The Seniors Festival is a wonderful reminder that there is always something new to experience, someone new to meet and another reason to stay connected within our community,” he said.
“This year, we want our older residents to really make October their month – explore the program, bring along a friend, try an activity you haven’t done before or simply come along and enjoy the atmosphere.
“Our older residents contribute so much to the City of Whittlesea. The Seniors Festival is a chance to celebrate them while creating more opportunities to stay active, connected and involved in community life.”
FOR one last time in the 2026 football season, we go Around The Grounds. What a year it was.
ROSBROOK GANNON RUN AND WON
It was incredible to be back at the Frank Rosbrook and Stacey Gannon Medal count last Wednesday night. First time in a few years for me and got great insights from plenty of the winners.
Heidelberg’s Sam Gilmore won the Frank Rosbrook Medal for division 1, and his speech was one of the finest I have ever heard in my life. He spoke bravely about the loss of his child in April at just four days old, and football, in his eyes, ‘mattered little’ to him this year.
It was truly a remarkable effort – he won with the last vote of the night, and it speaks volumes of the culture of Heidelberg and how it managed to look out for Gilmore all season long.
Bec Colwell was the winner of the first-ever Stacey Gannon Medal, dominating the count and winning by seven votes. It was a night where North Heidelberg’s goalshooter essentially swept the pool of awards.
In division 1 women’s footy, Kira Lemire had a terrific year, and was a deserving winning for Montmorency, polling 16 votes to win by four votes.
Other winners included South Morang’s Nathan Stefanile in division 2 – you can read about his win on page 27 – Isabel Young winning with the last vote of the night in division 2 women’s, Ivanhoe’s Riley Loton doing enough to win division 3, and Epping’s Nancy Cakau winning the division 3 women’s count.
THE GREATEST FOOTBALL DYNASTY OF THEM ALL
It’s confirmed – this Heidelberg team is probably the greatest we have ever known on the football field in the Northern Football Netball League.
While the Bergs still have a way to go to catch up on Diamond Creek’s netball exploits – they won 11 in a row – it’s an incredible effort from all at Warringal Park to win five in a row.
Perhaps even more impressively, they have now also claimed three under-19s premierships in a row – when you take into account the turnover every year, it’s an incredible effort, only achieved for the fourth time in league history – Northcote Park/Alphington in 2003-05, Greensborough from 2009-11 and again in 2014-16 the other three times.
WINNERS: Heidelberg’s team prior to the grand final.RUNNERS UP: Greensborough’s team prior to the grand final.
In the senior game, Greensborough threw absolutely everything at the Tigers, and the margin was still just 10 points the difference at the 14-minute mark of the final term.
However, a run of four goals in seven minutes, coupled with some ill-discipline from the Boro, sealed the game and the flag for the Tigers.
Tigers young gun Josh Shepherd claimed the best-on-ground medal with a super performance from the wing.
THE CELEBRATIONS
What I can tell you about Heidelberg is they love Coldplay’s classic, Viva La Vida. That reverberated around Preston City Oval after the game, and at least another five times that night at Warringal Park.
Indeed, I was there, and it was just such a nice night. Everyone was having a great time, although I can confirm a handle of the premiership cup was indeed broken.
Just also wanted to give the club a bit of a shoutout, their warmth was very much felt on the night. Was great to be welcomed in as a random punter walking in and the amount of respect the club has is very clear to see.
AND, OF COURSE, THE UMPIRES
UMPIRES: The umpires as selected for the division 1 grand final on Thursday night.
Well done to all the umpires who umpired extremely well in the grand final. It was great to be at Bundoora Park on Thursday night to see who would get picked for the game.
Each of the three field umpires had a story to tell. For Andrew O’Neill, it was his 12th grand final. For Luke Richardson, it’s five division 1 deciders in a row. The most remarkable story was Austin Welsh’s. The division 1 grand final was just his 23rd senior game as a field umpire.
SHOUTOUT TO GREENSBOROUGH
While the Boro ended up falling just short, the club deserves a lot of praise for making a game of the grand final.
They, for a large part of the game, probably outplayed the Tigers, but it was just the cleanliness of the men in yellow and black that made all the difference.
All told, it was a coaching masterclass from Matthew Hyde for three quarters. They did incredibly well to come from fifth, winning well in the previous three finals.
A RESERVES CLASSIC
484 GAMES LATER: Daniel Keenan (left) finally got to taste premiership success, with Montmorency winning its first reserves flag since 2011.
Heidelberg’s only miss on the day was the reserves, and it was an instant classic.
Montmorency came in looking for its first flag since 2011 and jumped the Tigers to lead all throughout the first three quarters.
The last quarter was incredible. It went goal-for-goal for the first 10 minutes, before Heidelberg kicked another two quick goals to lead by seven points – having kicked six for the term.
But Montmorency did not give up and kicked the final two goals of the game to pinch the flag by seven points. Ten goals altogether for the final term.
A special shoutout is reserved for Montmorency’s playing coach, Daniel Keenan. Having won the division 1 reserves count on Wednesday night, he finally got his flag for the Magpies – 378 games with the club, adding in 106 games for Hurstbridge, he got to taste the ultimate success for the first time.
If he plays on next year, he is likely to pass 500 games. That would make a great interview.
THE FUTURE OF THIS COLUMN
So, this is the last Around The Grounds for the football season, and I’ve had a blast doing it every week.
However, I have a lot of plans to keep this column up and running for the Diamond Valley Cricket Association season – I envision perhaps having a chat to the league over the next couple of weeks to lock in some things going forward for the season and go from there.
Around The Grounds will return for the 2027 football season as well, regardless of what the future holds.
SEYMOUR’S netballers had reason to celebrate on the weekend, claiming the B-reserve premiership at Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve on Sunday.
The Lions turned the tables on Shepparton United at the right time of the year, especially so after having to navigate their way to the grand final the long way around after losing to United in the second semi-final.
On grand final day, Seymour jumped Shepparton United, scoring 11 goals to four in the first quarter, and led by 10 goals at the main break, 20-10.
The Lions held station in the third quarter, scoring seven goals to eight to continue to lead 27-18 at the final change, and in a low-scoring final term, the Lions did enough to eventually run away with a 33-21 victory.
Mia Allen scored 17 goals, while Chloe Locke added 12 and Madison Richards four.
Locke was awarded the best on court medal for her efforts.
It’s been a huge couple of weeks across the golf clubs in the area, with multiple big scores winning competitions, Dalhousie pennant team wins and the result of the Broadford Open included in this week’s Covering the Fairways.
Golfer of the week: Cameron Pascoe
Cameron (+1) has had some sort of fortnight, taking out the Broadford Open as well as contributing to a big result for the Dalhousie District Golf Association. After having a nett 69 in the first round of the Broadford Open, he backed it up on the Sunday (day two) to have a 68 off the stick. Some sort of golf, to say the least! His 68 included two bogeys within the first three holes, and he still sat at two over the card after six holes before going four under for the remainder of the round, with three birdies to finish off the front nine and a bogey-free -1 on the back to finish two under.
That was a fantastic weekend for BROADFORD, who attracted players from all around the local clubs for their event, and it marks another successful period for the club, who have held some big events over the last two months, including the Greenskeeper Revenge Day and the club championships. Joe Mirabella (17) made the most of the weather on Saturday, having an even par score in their stroke competition. Young gun of the club Thomas Richards is also representing them in the Dalhousie District Golf Association and was mentioned on the Players of the Year leaderboard a couple of weeks ago.
HIDDEN VALLEY is shaping up really nicely thanks to some good weather over the last couple of weeks. Cameron Pascoe has made the club proud as our Golfer of the Week. James Conway, Jackson Cutler and Oliver George are representing the club strongly, sitting as the top three players on the Dalhousie District Golf Association Junior Player of the Year list on the boys’ side. Milla Kurzman and Mackenzie Gomez are sitting equal second on the girls’ side, who are both Hidden Valley locals as well.
KILMORE had a great day on Sunday, holding its annual Par 3 Day, with the full write-up able to be found HERE. The club is looking forward to another big day this Thursday, as it holds the Ladies Bowl, which is set to feature roughly 60 players and still has the chance to grow. It was a close day last week in the club’s Saturday competition, where Stephen Maurer got the choccies over Matthew Murray, with both having a nett 68.
WINNER WINNER: Kilmore Men’s Captain Rod Williams congratulating member Sandra Wicking who was the scratch winner of the par 3 competition at Kilmore on Sunday, what an effort!
It has been a big couple of weeks at LANCEFIELD, which continues to get bigger as they look forward to the Lancefield Open, which is happening this Friday. Entries were set to close today, but could still have the chance of being open if there is room remaining. Todd Lambert became the club’s new Singles Matchplay Champion after an epic match against Denis Davenport that went down to the 19th hole. Anne Robinson won the Ladies Medal of Medallists, and Scott Brown and David Colson were the winners of last Saturday’s 4BBB Stableford with a big 42 points.
Over in ROMSEY, they’re holding a working bee on October 4 and are on the lookout for anyone to help them out with a set of hands or any suggestions to give the course a tidy-up. The day starts from 10am and lunch is provided. Simon Donovan (7) won the club’s monthly medal thanks to his 79 off the stick, which was good enough to win the competition by two strokes. From all reports, the course is in solid condition, even better after the working bee, and looks set for a busy summer ahead.
PHOTO: DALHOUSIE DISTRICT GOLF ASSOCIATION
DALHOUSIE DISTRICT GOLF ASSOSIATION had a big couple of wins last week in the compeition held out at Midlands Golf Club where they went undefeated in the Men’s Bowl. The women won two out of their four games, but challenged really well against the best sides.
THE lawn bowls season is quickly approaching, with the fixture for the division 1 Central Highlands pennant competition released for 2026-27.
Reigning champions Romsey will look to open the season on a good note again as it looks to defend its title, hosting Trentham in the opening round on October 3.
Romsey will then set its sights on Kyneton in the grand final rematch the following week, getting the first two matches at home.
Lancefield will face a tricky trip to Kyneton Golf in the opening round, and face two away trips to start the season, with that game followed by a trip to Woodend.
Broadford will host its opening two games, with the opening round treat a fixture between local rivals Broadford and Kilmore, before the team in red hosts Trentham the following week.
Kilmore’s first game will be the aforementioned derby, before hosting its first home game the following week against Kyneton Golf.
Other fixtures to catch the eye early in the season sees Lancefield take on Kilmore in round three and Romsey hosting Kilmore in round five.
Romsey’s first match against Lancefield will be held in round seven, while Broadford hosts Romsey the following week.
The return match between Kilmore and Broadford is slated for round 11, while Kilmore take on Lancefield the following week at home.
Another big game between Kilmore and Romsey will be held in round 14, while Lancefield will host Romsey in round 16.
Finally, Romsey take on Broadford in round 17.
The season will run from October 3 to February 20, 2027, with finals to be held the following two weeks, with the grand final held on March 6.
The region pennant final will then be held on March 27.
KILMORE held its 10th rendition of its annual Par 3 competition thanks to Kilmore Toyota, who provided a potential car to be won for a hole-in-one.
Mountains of support from local businesses and sponsors of the club provided prize money of up to $1000 for a hole-in-one, and speaking to the club, they’re extremely grateful for their support.
The day shotgun started at 9.30am and stretched for 18 holes, providing 18 different opportunities to try and claim a $200 prize for nearest to pin, plus the chance at a hole-in-one.
It was a successful day, with a field full to the brim thanks to many members participating, but also a bunch of locals from other clubs coming down to support.
Kilmore continues to work hard to keep the course in immaculate condition for members and is currently working towards upgrading its irrigation system across the course, which has served for nearly half a century.
Macedon Rangers Soccer Club is now welcoming expressions of interest for players, paid senior coaches, and volunteers in 2027, as the club puts a bow on a successful and enjoyable 2026 season.
Based at Romsey Oval 2 and with matches played in north-west Metro Melbourne competitions from April-September, the club fielded 9 teams and close to 140 players in total this year across non-competitive Miniroos teams (for girls and boys aged 11 or under), competitive junior teams (ages 12 and up) where proper rules such as offside come into play, and competitive senior men’s and women’s teams for the second and first year respectively.
Club president, Matt Bender, said the club came close to its first flags this season through the second-placed U/14 girls and senior women, but that all teams improved and most importantly bought into the club’s mantra of inclusivity and respect.
“We celebrate when our teams get a win, score a goal or keep a clean sheet, but the most satisfying results are more in the smiles and the positive feedback we get from our players, volunteers and parents,” he said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned player or you’ve never kicked a ball competitively before, we’d welcome new or returning faces for next season on the pitch, as well as anyone willing to contribute in some way off it.”
The Rangers are continuing to advocate for much-needed upgrades at Romsey Oval 2 such as lighting and an improved playing surface, as outlined in the Council-endorsed precinct master plan and supported by Football Victoria.
THE Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has released its 2026/27 senior fixture, with grand final rematches in both grades headlining the opening round on Saturday, October 10.
Seymour and Tallarook will renew their rivalry in a rematch of last season’s A-grade grand final, while Alexandra and Pyalong will meet again following their clash in the B-grade decider.
The opening round will also be the first of four T20 double-header rounds scheduled throughout the season, bringing A and B-grade teams together at the same venue for a full day of senior cricket.
The first two rounds of the season will be played as T20 double-headers, with another scheduled immediately before the Christmas break and the fourth to welcome players back after Christmas.
B-grade matches will open each double-header before A-grade takes centre stage later in the afternoon, giving clubs an opportunity to bring their senior teams and supporters together at the one venue.
Outside the four T20 rounds, the fixture has been structured so A and B-grade teams are generally drawn at opposite venues, helping spread senior cricket across grounds and balance home and away commitments.
Seven clubs will contest A-grade in 2026/27 – Alexandra, Avenel, Puckapunyal, Pyalong, Seymour, Tallarook and Yea – while B-grade will feature those clubs alongside the Seymour 59ers.
The senior home-and-away season will run across 18 rounds, beginning on Saturday, October 10 and concluding on Saturday, March 6, 2027 before the SDCA finals series.
SDCA President Mitch Itter said the fixture provided an exciting start to the new season.
“Having both grand final rematches in the opening round gives us a fantastic way to start the season and immediately renew two of the biggest contests from last summer,” he said.
“The T20 double-headers are also a real feature of the fixture. Having both senior grades together gives clubs the opportunity to create a bigger day at the cricket and build a great atmosphere around their grounds.
“We’ve worked hard to produce a fixture that balances the different requirements of A and B-grade while giving players, clubs and supporters plenty to look forward to across the season.”
The league has also locked in its leadership team for the 2026-27 representative campaign – with Lachlan Watts and Cameron Armstrong returning as captain and head coach.
The pair will again lead the SDCA against the Emu Valley Cricket Association (EVCA), with a return fixture confirmed for Sunday, February 21, 2027 in Bendigo.
Watts and Armstrong combined to lead the SDCA to victory in its return to senior representative cricket earlier this year, defeating Emu Valley by 56 runs in the inaugural McIvor Challenge at Chittick Park.
Watts produced a remarkable individual performance in the victory, falling just short of a century with 99 before taking 4/40 from nine overs and two catches.
The Tallarook all-rounder went on to earn selection in the 2025–26 Victorian Country Cricket League Men’s Team of the Year after scoring 620 runs at an average of 88.57 and taking 12 wickets at 16.50 during the season.
Armstrong will again take charge as head coach after overseeing the SDCA’s successful return to representative cricket last season.
The experienced Yea cricketer also enjoyed an outstanding season on the field, winning the SDCA A-grade batting award with 294 runs at an average of 98.
Itter said retaining Watts and Armstrong provided continuity as the Association looks to build on last season’s representative success.
“Lachlan and Cam were outstanding in leading the group last season, so we’re thrilled to have them both back for another representative campaign,” Itter said.
“They are two of the most respected figures in our competition and both have a genuine passion for representative cricket and seeing the best players in our association come together.
“Lachlan led from the front in every sense last year. His performance against Emu Valley was exceptional, and his subsequent selection in the VCCL Team of the Year reinforced the calibre of player we have captaining our Association.
“Cam brings an enormous amount of experience and cricket knowledge to the coaching role and did a fantastic job bringing the group together last season.
“Having both of them return gives us some important continuity as we look to build on what we started last year.”
The February clash will see the SDCA travel to Bendigo after hosting the inaugural fixture at Chittick Park, continuing the developing representative rivalry between the two associations.
“It was fantastic to bring senior representative cricket back last season, but we don’t want it to be a one-off,” Itter said.
“Getting the return fixture locked in is another important step towards making representative cricket an ongoing part of the SDCA calendar.
“We’re looking forward to heading to Bendigo in February and giving our players another opportunity to represent the SDCA.”
